U.S. patent number 5,774,759 [Application Number 08/570,619] was granted by the patent office on 1998-06-30 for control system for a digital copying machine, a facsimile machine and other processing apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Tomoki Tanaka.
United States Patent |
5,774,759 |
Tanaka |
June 30, 1998 |
Control system for a digital copying machine, a facsimile machine
and other processing apparatus
Abstract
Featured is a control system including a processing apparatus,
such as a digital copying or facsimile machine and a terminal
apparatus. The processing apparatus creates a control command on
the basis of a control program previously stored in the processing
apparatus and executes processing in accordance with the control
command. The control program stored in the apparatus is transmitted
to the terminal apparatus by means of an electromagnetic
transmitter/receiver, such as an IRPCM transmitting part of an IR
emit receiver part. The terminal apparatus executes the control
program therein, creates a control command for the processing
apparatus and transmits the control command to the processing
apparatus via the transmitter/receiver. Additionally, the
processing apparatus transmits internal information within the
processing apparatus to the terminal apparatus through the
transmitter/receiver, where the internal information indicates the
state of the processing apparatus at the time of responding to the
control command. If the control program is a plurality of
hierarchal layers, then it is transmitted to the terminal apparatus
layer by layer. If the control program is dependent upon the type
of terminal apparatus being used, then the terminal apparatus
communicates the required information to the processing apparatus,
which retrieves the appropriate control program from memory, and
transmits same to the terminal apparatus.
Inventors: |
Tanaka; Tomoki (Yamatokoriyama,
JP) |
Assignee: |
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha (Osaka,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
17972521 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/570,619 |
Filed: |
December 11, 1995 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
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Dec 12, 1994 [JP] |
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6-307726 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
399/8; 399/81;
700/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G
15/5016 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G03G
15/00 (20060101); G03G 015/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;355/200,202,204,209
;395/114,115 ;364/146,188,192 ;358/296 ;399/8,81 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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5-19551 |
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Jan 1993 |
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JP |
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5-37681 |
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Feb 1993 |
|
JP |
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Primary Examiner: Pendegrass; Joan H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Conlin; David G. Daley, Jr.;
William J.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A control system comprising:
a processing apparatus which creates a control command on the basis
of a control program previously stored in the processing apparatus
and which executes processing in accordance with the control
command;
a terminal apparatus which creates a control command on the basis
of the control program stored in the apparatus;
communication means for connecting the processing apparatus to the
terminal apparatus using electromagnetic radiation so that data is
transmitted and received;
transmission means for transmitting the control program previously
stored in the processing apparatus to the terminal apparatus
through the communication means;
transmission means for transmitting the control command created on
the basis of the control program to the processing apparatus;
transmission means for transmitting internal information within the
processing apparatus, to the terminal apparatus through the
communication means, the internal information indicating the state
of the processing apparatus at the time of responding to the
control command; and
means for processing on the basis of the internal information
transmitted to the terminal apparatus from the processing
apparatus.
2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the control system
comprises:
detection means for detecting a change in the internal information;
and
transmission means for transmitting post-change internal
information to the terminal apparatus every time there is a change
in the internal information.
3. A control system comprising:
a processing apparatus which creates a control command on the basis
of a control program previously stored in the processing apparatus
and which executes processing in accordance with the control
command;
a terminal apparatus which creates a control command on the basis
of the control program stored in the apparatus;
communication means for connecting the processing apparatus to the
terminal apparatus using electromagnetic radiation so that data is
transmitted and received;
transmission means for transmitting the control program previously
stored in the processing apparatus to the terminal apparatus
through the communication means;
transmission means for transmitting the control command created on
the basis of the control program to the processing apparatus;
wherein the control program is composed of a plurality of
hierarchical layers; and
transmission means for transmitting the control program layer by
layer to the terminal apparatus.
4. A control system comprising:
a processing apparatus which creates a control command on the basis
of a control program previously stored in the processing apparatus
and which executes processing in accordance with the control
command;
a terminal apparatus which creates a control command on the basis
of the control program stored in the apparatus;
communication means for connecting the processing apparatus to the
terminal apparatus using electromagnetic radiation so that data is
transmitted and received;
transmission means for transmitting the control program previously
stored in the processing apparatus to the terminal apparatus
through the communication means;
transmission means for transmitting the control command created on
the basis of the control program to the processing apparatus;
storage means for previously storing a control program type
depending on a type of the terminal apparatus;
transmission means for transmitting the type of the terminal
apparatus connected to the processing apparatus through the
communication means, to the processing apparatus; and
means for selecting a control program type corresponding to the
type of the terminal apparatus transmitted from the terminal
apparatus and transmitting the control program of the type to the
terminal apparatus.
5. A control system for a processing apparatus comprising:
a processing apparatus which creates a control command on the basis
of a control program previously stored in the processing apparatus
and which executes processing in accordance with the control
command;
a terminal apparatus which creates a control command on the basis
of the control program stored in the apparatus;
communication means for connecting the processing apparatus to the
terminal apparatus using electromagnetic radiation so that data is
transmitted and received;
transmission means for transmitting the control program previously
stored in the processing apparatus to the terminal apparatus
through the communication means;
transmission means for transmitting the control command created on
the basis of the control program to the processing apparatus;
transmission means for transmitting internal information within the
processing apparatus to the terminal apparatus through the
communication means, the internal information indicating the state
of the processing apparatus at the time of responding to the
control command;
means for processing on the basis of the internal information
transmitted to the terminal apparatus from the processing
apparatus;
wherein the control program is composed of a plurality of
hierarchical layers; and
transmission means for transmitting the control program layer by
layer to the terminal apparatus.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a control system which controls various
types of processing apparatuses such as a digital copying machine
which conducts print processing of image data and more
particularly, to an apparatus which controls such a processing
apparatus by remote control.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a processing apparatus such as a digital copying
machine comprises an operation panel for controlling the processing
apparatus. To control the processing apparatus, control data are
inputted on the operation panel so that processing which
corresponds to the control data is executed. However, in the
processing apparatus of a conventional structure, the control data
for the processing apparatus can be inputted only through the
processing apparatus itself. Therefore, when the operation panel is
behind an obstacle, inputting of the control data may be difficult.
To be specific, for example, when an original document table and
the operation panel are disposed on a top face of a digital copying
machine, if the size of an original document to be copied is large,
the original document extends beyond the original document table
and covers the operation panel, whereby an operation of the
operation panel becomes difficult.
To deal with this problem, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
JPA 5-19551 (1993) discloses that the operation panel of the
processing apparatus is constructed detachable from the processing
apparatus and an operation panel is used as a remote controller to
operate the processing apparatus by radio using an infrared light
beam or the like.
As described above, a processing apparatus such as a digital
copying machine is remotely operated using a remote controller, so
that it is possible to control the processing apparatus by the
remote controller even though there is an obstacle to an operation
of the operation panel on the processing apparatus. However, an
apparatus which is controlled by conventional remote control has
the following problems.
Even when there is any change in the condition of the processing
apparatus such as a jam error, the error can not be recognized on
the remote controller side, which may cause a trouble in remote
controlling. That is, a conventional remote controller only sends
control signals to the processing apparatus. In other words, the
processing apparatus does not send a specific signal to be received
by the remote controller, corresponding to a change in the
condition of the processing apparatus.
A conventional remote controller, as described in Japanese
Unexamined Patent Publication JPA 5-19551 (1993), is dedicated to a
particular processing apparatus, and hence a control program
specific to the particular processing apparatus is stored
previously. Therefore, in the case of controlling a plurality of
processing apparatuses, it is necessary to provide a remote
controller dedicated to each processing apparatus.
In order to solve this problem, such a method is proposed that
control programs for the processing apparatus is supplied to a
portable terminal apparatus comprising a CPU, a memory, radio
communication means (an infrared ray emitting/receiving part) and
the like using a IC card, etc. However, there are different control
methods and different command systems for different types of
processing apparatuses. Therefore, to prepare for a case where a
plurality of (plural types of) processing apparatuses are to be
controlled by one portable terminal apparatus, the IC card must
store control programs for all types of processing apparatuses.
This wastefully uses the memory capacity, causes shortage of a
memory, or leads to other problems. Further, every time a new type
of processing apparatus is created, it is necessary to update the
IC card to deal with the new processing apparatus or to buy an IC
card which is newly programmed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is hence an object of the invention to provide for an
inexpensive control system for a processing apparatus enabling to
eliminate wastefulness which is attributed to supplying a specific
program to each individual terminal apparatus, such as a wasteful
use of memory on the side of the terminal apparatus as a remote
controller and a wasteful purchase of an IC card which stores a new
program to deal with a processing apparatus of a new type.
The invention provides a control system for a processing apparatus
comprising a processing apparatus which creates a control command
on the basis of a control program previously stored in the
processing apparatus and which executes processing such as copying
in accordance with the control command, a terminal apparatus which
creates a control command on the basis of the control program
stored in the apparatus, communication means for connecting the
processing apparatus to the terminal apparatus using infrared rays
or the like so that data is transmitted and received, transmission
means for transmitting the control program previously stored in the
processing apparatus to the terminal apparatus through the
communication means, and transmission means for transmitting the
control command created on the basis of the control program to the
processing apparatus.
Further, the invention is characterized in that the control system
for a processing apparatus comprises transmission means for
transmitting internal information such as an option mount condition
and an error condition within the processing apparatus to the
terminal apparatus through the communication means, and means for
setting default and displaying a message regarding the terminal
apparatus on the basis of the internal information transmitted to
the terminal apparatus from the processing apparatus.
Still further, the invention is characterized in that the control
system for a processing apparatus comprises detection means for
detecting a change in the internal information such as an option
mount condition and an error condition within the processing
apparatus, and transmission means for transmitting post-change
internal information to the terminal apparatus every time there is
a change in internal information.
Yet further, the invention is characterized in that the control
program is composed of a plurality of hierarchical layers and that
transmission means for transmitting the control program layer by
layer to the terminal apparatus is provided.
Further, the invention is characterized in that the processing
apparatus comprises storage means for previously storing a control
program type depending on a type of the terminal apparatus,
transmission means for transmitting the type of the terminal
apparatus connected to the processing apparatus through the
communication means, to the processing apparatus, and means for
selecting a control program type corresponding to the type of the
terminal apparatus transmitted from the terminal apparatus and
transmitting the control program of the type to the terminal
apparatus.
According to the invention, control programs which are needed to
control the processing apparatus are transmitted from the
processing apparatus to the terminal apparatus. Hence, the terminal
apparatus does not have to previously store control programs which
are needed to control the processing apparatus. Rather, it is
possible that the terminal apparatus receives a necessary control
program directly from the processing apparatus and controls the
processing apparatus (i.e., create a control command). Upon
transmission of a control command to the processing apparatus such
as a copying machine through the communication means, the
processing apparatus operates on the basis of the control command,
whereby the processing apparatus is controlled by the terminal
apparatus.
In addition, according to the invention, internal information which
are unique to the processing apparatus are transmitted to the
terminal apparatus through the communication means, and default of
the terminal apparatus is set or a message is displayed in the
terminal apparatus in accordance with the internal information. For
instance, an automatic document feeder apparatus, a sorter and the
like are optionally mountable to a copying machine (the processing
apparatus), and therefore the internal information is unique to
each copying machine. However, this information is important in
controlling the copying machine. For example, even if a control
program for an automatic document feeder apparatus is included in
the control programs, automatic feeding of original documents can
not be executed unless the automatic document feeder apparatus is
mounted to the copying machine. In the invention, such information
is transmitted to the terminal apparatus, and default is set and a
message is displayed in accordance with this information. This
allows to suitably control each copying machine (the processing
apparatus). Meanwhile, an operation condition of the processing
apparatus such as an error condition is important for controlling.
For example, when there is an error, proper maintenance or the like
must be performed in order to cope with the error. In such a case
as well, information indicative of the error is transmitted to the
terminal apparatus and displayed as default setting or a
message.
Further, according to the invention, post-change internal
information is transmitted to the terminal apparatus when there is
a change in the internal information within the processing
apparatus. Hence, the terminal apparatus always has latest internal
information. When there is a jam error in a copying machine (the
processing apparatus), for instance, information indicative of this
is immediately transmitted to the terminal apparatus, so that the
terminal apparatus operates to deal with the jam. In addition, when
the jam in the processing apparatus is eliminated, information
indicative of this is transmitted to the terminal apparatus so that
the terminal apparatus operates to deal with the elimination of the
jam.
Still further, according to the invention, the control program for
controlling the processing apparatus (i.e., for creating a control
command) is composed of a plurality of hierarchical layers, and the
hierarchical layers of the control program are transmitted to the
terminal apparatus. Hence, the terminal apparatus receives a
control program on a necessary hierarchical level. For instance, it
is assumed that when copying process of a copying machine is
controlled by a terminal apparatus, selection of paper size and
selection of magnification in the same hierarchical layer are
separately defined by individual control programs. It is also
assumed that selection of paper size is necessary but selection of
magnification is not necessary for copying to be executed. In such
a case, only a control program for selection of paper size is
transmitted to the terminal apparatus, and a control program for
selection of magnification is not transmitted to the terminal
apparatus. Since the control program is composed of a plurality of
hierarchical layers and is transmittable in hierarchical layers to
the terminal apparatus, it is possible to transmit only a necessary
control program to the terminal apparatus.
Still further, according to the invention, the configuration of the
control program transmitted from the processing apparatus is
changeable depending on the type of the terminal apparatus. When
the control program is transmitted to the terminal apparatus from
the processing apparatus to control the processing apparatus by the
terminal apparatus, if the capability of the processing apparatus
is extremely high, the terminal apparatus may not be able to handle
processing in some cases depending on the type of the terminal
apparatus. However, as described herein, since the configuration of
the control program transmitted to the terminal apparatus is
changed depending on the type of the terminal apparatus, the
terminal apparatus is provided with a control program which the
terminal apparatus can handle. Thus, the problem mentioned above is
avoided.
According to the invention, it is not necessary for the terminal
apparatus to previously store a control program which is needed to
control the processing apparatus. Rather, the terminal apparatus
receives a necessary control program from the processing apparatus
and controls the processing apparatus. Hence, even when it may be
necessary to control a plurality of types of processing apparatuses
using one terminal apparatus, it is not necessary to previously
store a control program in the terminal apparatus. Rather, the
terminal apparatus receives only a necessary control program from a
processing apparatus and controls the processing apparatus, and
therefore, a memory for storing an unnecessary control program is
not needed. That is, this prevents wasteful use of a memory such as
storing an unnecessary control program. In addition, even when a
new type of processing apparatus is created, it is not necessary to
replace the terminal apparatus or to purchase new parts (e.g., an
IC card), since the terminal apparatus receives a control program
directly from the new processing apparatus and controls the new
processing apparatus. This prevents increase in cost.
Further, according to the invention, information unique to each
processing apparatus, including the option mount condition to the
processing apparatus and the error condition within the processing
apparatus, is transmitted to the terminal apparatus, and the
terminal apparatus executes setting of default or displaying of a
message on the basis of the information. Hence, controlling
performed by the terminal apparatus is suitable to a condition of
the processing apparatus (i.e., internal information) which is to
be actually controlled.
Still further, according to the invention, whenever an option mount
condition or an error condition of the processing apparatus
changes, post-change information is transmitted to the terminal
apparatus. Hence, the terminal apparatus operates depending on the
current condition of the processing apparatus.
Still further, according to the invention, the control program for
controlling the processing apparatus are composed of a plurality of
hierarchical layers and the control program is transmitted to the
terminal apparatus layer by layer. Hence, the terminal apparatus
receives a necessary hierarchical layer of the control program and
controls the copying machine. This reduces a transmission time for
transmitting a control program to the terminal apparatus and the
capacity of the memory which is disposed within the terminal
apparatus to store the control program.
Further, according to the invention, a problem that the processing
apparatus cannot be controlled depending on the type of the
terminal apparatus is not created. It is possible to control the
processing apparatus using any type of terminal apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other and further objects, features, and advantages of the
invention will be more explicit from the following detailed
description taken with reference to the drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a digital copying
machine which is an embodiment of a processing apparatus of the
invention;
FIG. 2 is a view showing a schematic inner structure of the copying
machine;
FIG. 3 is a view showing a structure of an operation panel of the
copying machine;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a structure of a control part of
the copying machine;
FIG. 5 is a view for describing a hierarchy of a control
program;
FIG. 6 is a view showing an appearance of a portable terminal
apparatus which is a terminal apparatus of an embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a structure of a control part of
the terminal apparatus;
FIG. 8 is a view showing a memory structure while the copying
machine is controlled by the terminal apparatus;
FIG. 9 is a view showing a structure of data which are transmitted
between the copying machine and the terminal apparatus;
FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a display on the terminal
apparatus while the copying machine is controlled by the terminal
apparatus;
FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a display on the terminal
apparatus while the copying machine is controlled by the terminal
apparatus;
FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a display on the terminal
apparatus while the copying machine is controlled by the terminal
apparatus;
FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a display on the terminal
apparatus while there is an error within the processing
apparatus;
FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a display on the terminal
apparatus while there is an error within the processing
apparatus;
FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a display on the terminal
apparatus while there is an error within the processing
apparatus;
FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of a
copying machine of an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
copying machine of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
copying machine of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
copying machine of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
copying machine of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
copying machine of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of a
portable terminal apparatus of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
potable terminal apparatus of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
portable terminal apparatus of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
portable terminal apparatus of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
portable terminal apparatus of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
portable terminal apparatus of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
portable terminal apparatus of the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of the
portable terminal apparatus of the embodiment of the invention;
and
FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing of a
potable terminal apparatus of another embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Now referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the
invention are described below.
In the following, an embodiment of the invention will be described
with reference to the drawings. Although the embodiment will take a
digital copying machine as an example of a processing apparatus,
the processing apparatus may be, for instance, a facsimile machine.
That is, the invention is applicable to any apparatus which creates
a control command based on a control program previously stored in
the apparatus to thereby execute processing corresponding to the
control command and which comprises radio communication means such
as an IR interface. The invention is particularly useful for
equipment in which a relatively complex item needs be set and an
error needs be informed immediately. Further, a portable terminal
apparatus may be any apparatus which comprises a CPU, a memory,
radio communication means, etc.
(1) Structure of Copying Machine
First, a description will be given on an essential structure of a
digital copying machine, i.e., an example of a processing
apparatus. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of the
digital copying machine, and FIG. 2 is a schematic front sectional
view of the digital copying machine. The copying machine 1
comprises optional apparatuses such as an automatic document feeder
41, a multi-story paper feeding cassette 42, a sorter 43 and a
paper reversing mechanism 44. The optional apparatuses 41 to 44
comprise connectors for receiving a control signal from the copying
machine 1, sensors and the like. As internal information regarding
the copying machine 1, the copying machine 1 recognizes whether the
optional apparatuses 41 to 44 are mounted to the copying machine 1
in accordance with conditions of the connectors, the sensors and
the like.
The automatic document feeder 41 is an apparatus for feeding
sheet-shaped original documents which are mounted on an original
document table 41a one by one in an order to an original document
table 51 and for discharging a scanned original document scanned on
the original document table 51 to a paper discharge part 41b. The
automatic document feeder 41 may comprise a paper reversing
mechanism which reverses the top face of an original document. The
multistory paper feeding cassette 42 can be additionally mounted in
addition to a paper feeding cassette 52 and a manual paper feeding
tray 53 which are mounted to the copying machine 1 in advance, and
stores papers on which a copy image is to be formed. During
copying, papers are fed selectively from either one of the
cassettes 52, 53 or 42a, 42b, 42c. The cassettes 52, and 42a to 42c
and the manual paper feeding tray 53 include sensors for detecting
a paper size and sensors for detecting the existence of a paper.
The copying machine 1 detects conditions of these sensors as the
internal information. The sorter 43 is an apparatus which includes
a mechanism for sorting copied papers into a plurality of paper
discharge trays 43a, 43b, . . . and discharging the copies papers.
The sorter 43 may further have a stapling function, etc. The paper
reversing mechanism 44 temporarily stocks a copied paper for duplex
copying or synthesizing copying, and reverses the top face of a
copied paper.
Since a structure of an image formation part within the copying
machine is similar to that of a regular digital copying machine,
only a general description will be given here. A scanner 54 is
disposed to a lower surface portion of the original document table
51 so as to be movable along the original document table 51. The
scanner 54 includes a ramp reflector assembly 54a and a CCD 54b.
The scanner 54 scans an original document which is mounted on the
original document table 51 or an original document which is fed by
the automatic document feeder 41, and reads image data of the
original document. After various processes such as adjustments of
density and magnification are executed, read image data are
outputted to a semiconductor laser device 55 which will then
convert the image data into laser light and output the laser light.
An image formation processing part 56 includes a photosensitive
element 56a and forms an image by a known electro-photographic
method. On the photosensitive element 56a, laser light emitted from
the semiconductor laser device 55 is focused into a toner image,
and the toner image is transferred onto a paper which is fed from
the manual paper feeding tray 53 or the cassettes 52, 42a to 42c. A
fixing apparatus 57 performs fixing on a paper onto which the toner
image is transferred, and the paper is then conveyed toward the
sorter 43 or the paper reversing mechanism 44. When conveyed toward
the sorter 43, the paper is discharged into either one of the paper
discharge trays 43a, 43b, . . . which are externally mounted to the
copying machine 1. When the paper is conveyed toward the paper
reversing mechanism 44, an image is formed on the same face or the
other face of the paper again.
An operation panel 2 and an IR emit/receive part 3 are disposed on
the front face of the copying machine 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view
showing a structure of the operation panel 2. On the operation
panel 2, a display part is disposed which displays a plurality of
key switches for controlling an operation of the copying machine as
well as the current condition. More precisely, disposed on the
operation panel 2 are: a copy job start button 21, an all clear
button 22, an interrupting print button 23, numerical keys 24 for
entering numerical values, a copy number display part 25, a paper
size display part 26, an enlargement/reduction ratio display part
27, a preset enlargement/reduction ratio display part 28, a group
of buttons 29 for setting various special modes, a group of buttons
30 for setting a magnification, and a group of buttons 31 for
setting a paper.
Copying is started when the copy job start button 21 is pushed.
When the all clear button 22 is pushed, all set values which are
set on the operation panel are canceled and set again at default
values which were set when the apparatuses were shipped from a
factory or when at power is turned on. The interrupting print
button 23 is used to suspend a current copy job during continuous
copying on a number of papers and to execute interrupted copying.
The copy number display part 25 is a part for displaying the number
of copies which is inputted on the numerical keys or the like. The
paper size display part 26 is a part for displaying a selected one
of the manual paper feeding tray 53 or the cassettes 52, 42a to 42c
and to display the size of papers which are contained in the
selected tray or cassette. The enlargement/reduction ratio display
part 27 is a part for displaying a copy magnification which is set.
The preset enlargement/reduction ratio display part 28 is a part
for displaying a few types of magnification change patterns which
are previously stored in the copying machine. On the preset
enlargement/reduction ratio display part 28, a magnification change
pattern which is often used can be selected. The group of buttons
29 for setting various special modes includes buttons which are
used to set a mode for using the sorter 43, a mode for duplex
copying, etc. The group of buttons 30 includes buttons which are
used to select a magnification change pattern which is previously
stored or to manually set a magnification. Further, the group of
buttons 31 includes buttons which are used to select which one of
the cassettes 52, 42a to 42c and the manual paper feeding tray 53
should feed a paper on which a copy image is to be formed.
The IR emit/receive part 3 receives optical data of infrared rays
(IR) emitted from a portable terminal apparatus which will be
described later, and transmits the optical data indicating IR to
the portable terminal apparatus. Optical data received are
converted into an electric signal and supplied to a control part
disposed within the copying machine. Meanwhile, since the
directivity of infrared rays transmitted and received among the
apparatuses is set sufficiently high, even if two copying machines
are disposed next to each other, for instance, malfunction will not
occur.
FIG. 4 is a system block diagram of the copying machine. A central
control part (master CPU) 61 controls the entire copying machine. A
program which is previously stored in a ROM 62 is used when the
copying machine is controlled. Control programs for the copying
machine which are stored in the ROM 62 and are to be transmitted to
the terminal apparatus are composed of a plurality of hierarchical
layers.
FIG. 5 is a view for describing a hierarchy of a control program. A
first hierarchical layer of the control program includes a start
command, a stop command, commands for selecting a setting mode,
etc. Further, as the commands for selecting a setting mode, the
first hierarchical layer of the control program includes a basic
setting command, a magnification setting command, a special setting
command, an option setting command, etc. When the commands for
selecting a setting mode are selected, the control sequence
proceeds to a second hierarchical layer.
The second hierarchical layer is composed of setting modes which
are associated to the four setting commands above. Each setting
mode includes commands for executing a plurality of predetermined
functions which are defined for each setting mode. For instance,
when the basic setting command is selected at the first
hierarchical layer, the control sequence proceeds to the basic
setting mode of the second hierarchical layer. In the basic setting
mode, in response to a predetermined key manipulation, the setting
commands, the stop command, an image quality selecting command, a
tray selecting command, a density setting command and the like are
created. Each setting mode of the second hierarchical layer
includes the setting commands and the stop command. When the
setting commands are inputted, information specified by each
selecting command is transmitted to the copying machine 1. After
the information is transmitted in response to the setting commands,
the control sequence returns to the first hierarchical layer. When
the stop command is inputted, the control sequence returns to the
first hierarchical layer without transmitting the information. The
setting modes of the second hierarchical layer are independent from
each other, and therefore, it is impossible to move to other
setting mode within the second hierarchical layer.
The control program which is stored in the ROM 62 is prepared
depending on types (versions) of the portable terminal apparatus
which are classified according to types of a CPU which is disposed
within the portable terminal apparatus, for instance. Hence, even
among programs which perform the same operations, the programs for
different types of portable terminal apparatuses have different
codes. Therefore, it is possible to supply a control program which
is suitable to any version of portable terminal apparatus.
Referring to FIG. 4, again, a RAM 63 is an area for storing the
internal information regarding the copying machine (e.g., an option
mount condition, an error condition), status information, commands,
etc. The internal information is a signal which indicates a
condition of the processing apparatus, and an operator is informed
of the internal information. The RAM 63 also stores a correlation
table for specifying which configuration of the control program
stored within the ROM 62 should be transmitted in response to an ID
number which is transmitted from the portable terminal apparatus.
The ID number is a number which is determined in advance for each
portable terminal apparatus. Portable terminal apparatuses are
identified by the ID numbers. Control parts (slave CPUs) 64 to 70
for controlling the respective operational parts of the copying
machine are connected to the central control part 61.
A scanner control part 64 controls scanning performed by the
scanner 54, turning on and off, etc., of the CCD 54b. Image data
read by the CCD 54b of the scanner 54 are converted into an
electric signal, and supplied to an image memory 71 or an image
processing part 65 on an image bus. The image memory 71 stores the
image data which are read by the scanner 54 or image data which are
processed by the image processing part 65. The image processing
part 65 performs rotating, smoothing, binarization or the like on
image data which are supplied from the scanner 54 or read from the
image memory 71 to thereby obtain data for forming a copy image.
Image data which are processed by the image processing part 65 are
stored in the image memory 71 or supplied to a controller 72 for a
semiconductor laser of an image formation process control part 66.
The image formation process control part 66 controls operational
parts of the image formation processing part 56. The operational
parts include the controller 72 for the semiconductor laser 55
described earlier.
An operation panel control part 67 provides the central control
part 61 with a signal which corresponds to a manipulation of the
inputting buttons which are disposed on the operation panel 2, and
displays a condition which corresponds to an input within the
display part on the operation panel 2. An IR control part 68
converts optical data which are supplied to the IR emit/receive
part 3 into an electric signal, and supplies the electric signal to
the central control part 61. The IR control part 68 also converts
data which are to be transmitted to the portable terminal apparatus
into optical data indicating IR, and transmits the optical data. A
paper feeding control part 69 operates a paper feeding roller of
one of the manual paper feeding tray 53 and the cassettes 52, 42a
to 42c so that a paper is fed. The manual paper feeding tray 53 and
the cassettes 52, 42a to 42c include sensors for detecting whether
the cassettes are mounted, the size of papers contained, and the
existence of a paper. The conditions of the sensors are supplied to
the central control part 61.
An option control part 70 is a part to which control parts 73, 74
and 75 of the optional apparatuses are connected through connectors
when the optional apparatuses such as the automatic document feeder
41, the sorter 43 and the paper reversing mechanism 44 are
connected. An operation of each optional apparatus is controlled
through the option control part 70.
A change in the condition of the copying machine 1 is detected by
an associated one of the control parts 64 to 70, and internal
information in the RAM 63 described above is rewritten in
accordance with a result of the detection.
(2) Structure of Portable Terminal Apparatus
Next, a structure of the portable terminal apparatus will be
described. FIG. 6 is a view showing an appearance of the portable
terminal apparatus, and FIG. 7 is a system block diagram of the
portable terminal apparatus. The portable terminal apparatus
according to the embodiment is a notebook type apparatus. The
portable terminal apparatus is structured so that a touch panel 9
of a liquid crystal display is disposed in a main body 8 of the
terminal apparatus which includes a lid 14 which can be opened and
closed. An input is accepted on the touch panel 9, using an input
pen 12. As shown in the drawings, for example, a copying machine
control key 10 and the like to be manipulated to control the
copying machine are displayed on the touch panel 9. To control the
copying machine as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the
copying machine control key 10 is pressed by the input pen 12,
whereby controlling is started. Controlling uses communication by
means of optical data through an emit/receive part 13 which is
disposed in the portable terminal apparatus 8. A group of buttons
11 to be used for other special operation are disposed on the top
surface of the portable terminal apparatus 8.
The portable terminal apparatus comprises a control part (CPU) 81
for controlling the entire portable terminal apparatus, a ROM 82
storing a program which is used to control the portable terminal
apparatus, and a RAM 83 for storing various data which are needed
to execute the program, data such as a document which is inputted
on the portable terminal apparatus, and a program which is
transmitted from the copying machine, i.e., the processing
apparatus, to control the copying machine. The portable terminal
apparatus also comprises an input part 84 for accepting an input
from the touch panel 9, a display part 85 for displaying a liquid
crystal display screen on the touch panel 9, an interface 86 for
accepting an input from the buttons 11, and an IR control part 87
for transmitting and receiving optical data with the processing
apparatus such as the copying machine. The IR control part 87
controls an infrared rays PCM transmitting part 13a and an infrared
rays PCM receiving part 13b of the IR emit/receive part 13, to
thereby transmit data to the copying machine and receive data from
the copying machine.
(3) Sequence of Controlling
With respect to the copying machine and the portable terminal
apparatus structured as above, a description will be given on a
sequence in which the portable terminal apparatus controls an
operation of the copying machine. FIGS. 16 to 21 are flow charts
showing a sequence of processing performed by the copying machine,
and FIGS. 22 to 29 are flow charts showing a sequence of processing
performed by the portable terminal apparatus.
(I) Transmission of Control Program to Portable Terminal
Apparatus
When a power supply switch is turned on, first, the copying machine
1 initializes the internal information and the internal mechanism,
and performs warming up, (n1501). At the same time, flags such as
an error eliminate mode flag are turned off (n1502). The error
eliminate mode flag is a flag which indicates whether an error
condition of the copying machine is eliminated. The error eliminate
mode flag is at "H" (ON) when there is an error but is at "L" (OFF)
when the error is eliminated. Further, as initialization, the IR
emit/receive part 3 which receives optical data from the portable
terminal apparatus is set to a light receive mode (n1503), and the
copying machine 1 waits for an event (n1504). As herein termed, an
"event" is either an input given by an operator on the operation
panel 2, an error within the copying machine 1, an optional
apparatus added, a change in the condition of the copying machine
such as adding of papers, or receipt of data from the portable
terminal apparatus (receipt of IR). Of these, a description will be
given on processing associated with transmission and receipt of a
program.
When an event input is receipt of IR, processing which corresponds
to the received contents is performed (n1511). For instance, when
received data are a code which requires transmission of a program,
from among the received IR data, a hierarchical layer of the
program which is demanded to be transmitted and ID number data of a
transmitter are read, and the demanded program is then transmitted
to the portable terminal apparatus 8 after storing the demanded
program in a transmission buffer once
(n1801.fwdarw.n1802.fwdarw.n1803). The internal information
regarding the copying machine which corresponds to the demanded
program is also transmitted to the portable terminal apparatus 8
(n1804.fwdarw.n1805). The internal information regarding the
copying machine indicates an error condition within the copying
machine (e.g., jam), an option mount condition of the copying
machine, the existence of papers in a paper feeding cassette,
etc.
Data transmitted and received between the copying machine 1 and the
portable terminal apparatus 8 have a structure as that shown in
FIG. 9. That is, there is a leading code at the top of the data,
followed by an ID number of the transmitter equipment (portable
terminal apparatus). The ID number is data which are necessary to
identify a type of portable terminal apparatus. When the version of
the portable terminal apparatus is low and the portable terminal
apparatus has a small number of functions, for example, an
accordingly simple control program is transmitted from the copying
machine to the portable terminal apparatus. The ID number is
followed by main data, which are further followed by data which
indicate the sum of binary data from the top to the end of the main
data. The data are used to check whether the data were normally
transmitted or received. An end code indicating end of the data is
located at the very end of the data.
On the other hand, the portable terminal apparatus 8 initializes
its internal data when power is turned on and enters an event
waiting condition (n2101.fwdarw.n2102). The event as herein
referred to includes pressing of the copying machine control key
10, the buttons 11, other keys on the touch panel 9, etc. When the
buttons 11, other keys on the touch panel 9 and the like are
pressed, the portable terminal apparatus 8 operates as a regular
portable terminal apparatus (n2105).
When the copying machine control key 10 is pressed, the portable
terminal apparatus 8 enters a control mode for controlling the
copying machine 1. To this end, it is necessary that control
program for controlling the copying machine 1 is stored in the
portable terminal apparatus 8. Therefore, the portable terminal
apparatus 8 downloads a necessary control program from the copying
machine 1. At such an occasion, the portable terminal apparatus 8
downloads only a currently required hierarchical layer from a
plurality of hierarchical layers of the control program which is
stored in the copying machine 1, thereby preventing problems such
as a loss time due to unnecessary downloading and shortage of the
memory within the portable terminal apparatus 8 for storing the
program. Processing performed for the purpose above will be
described below.
When the copying machine control key 10 is pressed, the portable
terminal apparatus 8 sets a value N, which expresses a hierarchical
layer of the control program for controlling the copying machine
stored in the portable terminal apparatus 8, at 0
(n2103.fwdarw.n2104). The hierarchical layer N=0 of the control
program for controlling the copying machine indicates that the
control program for controlling the copying machine 1 is not stored
in the portable terminal apparatus 8 (i.e., not downloaded). When
the portable terminal apparatus 8 downloads a necessary
hierarchical layer N of the control program, the portable terminal
apparatus 8 sets a hierarchical layer to be downloaded to the
hierarchical layer N and then downloads the hierarchical layer N of
the control program (n2201.fwdarw.n2212.fwdarw.n2213). First the
first hierarchical layer N=1of the control program is
downloaded.
To download the control program, first the RAM 83 disposed within
the portable terminal apparatus 8 is cleared (n2301). FIG. 8 is a
view showing a data map of the RAM 83 with the copying machine
control key 10 pressed. An internal information variable area
stores internal information which is transmitted from the copying
machine 1 (e.g., an error condition, an option mount condition, the
existence of papers). A download program area is an area for
storing the control program for controlling the copying machine
transmitted from the copying machine. The portable terminal
apparatus 8 execute the program which is stored in this area to
thereby control the copying machine 1. A work area is used to
execute the control program for controlling the data processing
apparatus which is stored in the download program area. When there
is an error within the copying machine 1, an error information area
stores error information. An error condition which is stored in the
internal information variable area indicates whether there is an
error within the copying machine 1. As detailed information of the
error condition, the error information area stores information
which indicates in which part the error is created. Since the
information which indicates whether there is an error and the
detailed information expressing the error are stored separately
from each other in this manner, it is only necessary to refer to
the error information area when there is an error created. Thus, an
area to be referred to when there is not an error can be reduced.
At n2301, the respective areas are cleared to prepare for
downloading of the N-th hierarchical layer of the control program.
Following this, the portable terminal apparatus 8 sets the IR
emit/receive part 13 to a transmission mode, and transmits a
transmission demand code demanding transmission of the N-th
hierarchical layer of the control program (n2302.fwdarw.n2303).
As described above, in response to the transmission demand code
demanding transmission of the control program, the copying machine
1 transmits the N-th hierarchical layer of the control program and
the internal information (n1801.fwdarw.n1805).
On the other hand, after transmitting the transmission demand code
demanding transmission of the control program, the portable
terminal apparatus 8 switches into a receipt mode (n2401), and
waits for receipt of data from the copying machine 1
(n2402.fwdarw.n2404). Receiving data (control program) from the
copying machine 1, the portable terminal apparatus 8 successively
stores received data in a receipt buffer. Receiving an end code of
the data (See FIG. 9), the portable terminal apparatus 8 judges
whether there is a transmission/receipt error
(n2405.fwdarw.n2406.fwdarw.n2407). Judgment of whether there is a
transmission/receipt error is realized by comparing the slim of
binary data contained in the data received from the copying machine
1 with the quantity of the data stored in the receipt buffer. While
it is judged that the data are received normally when the two
coincide with each other, it is judged that there is a receipt
error when the two do not coincide with each other
(n2801.fwdarw.n2802.fwdarw.n2803.fwdarw.n2804, n2805). The portable
terminal apparatus 8 includes a flag R for judging whether there is
a receipt error. The flag R is equal to 1 when data were received
normally, whereas the flag R is equal to 0 when there is an error
created. The error condition of receipt of data is judged in this
manner. During receipt of data, if the data are not received within
a certain time, a message indicating that there is a receipt error
is displayed and the receipt error flag R becomes equal to 0
(n2402.fwdarw.n2403.fwdarw.n2408). When there is a receipt error
(R=0), the transmission demand code demanding transmission of the
control program is transmitted to the copying machine again, and
receipt of the data (program) is repeated (n2305.fwdarw.n2302 . . .
). Thus, it is possible to judge a communication error when there
is such a communication error. When there is a communication error,
since retransmission of the program is automatically performed,
redundant labor on an operator is avoided.
When the control program is normally received (R=1), after the
received data are copied in an execution area, i.e., the download
program area shown in FIG. 8, the portable terminal apparatus 8 is
changed to the transmission mode, and a code indicating that the
program was normally received is transmitted to the copying machine
1 (n2306.fwdarw.n2307). Following this, the portable terminal
apparatus 8 receives the internal information regarding the copying
machine 1 in a similar manner to that above for receiving the
program. When the program was normally received, after copying of
the received contents the internal information variable area which
is shown in FIG. 8, the portable terminal apparatus 8 transmits a
code indicative of this to the copying machine 1 and returns to a
main routine (n2308.fwdarw.n2313).
In this manner, the control program for controlling the copying
machine 1 and the internal information regarding the copying
machine which corresponds to the program are transmitted to the
portable terminal apparatus 8.
(II) Sequence of Controlling Copying Machine by Portable Terminal
Apparatus
As described above, at n1504, the copying machine 1 waits for an
event input. When an event input is an input given by an operator
on the operation panel 2, the copying machine 1 performs normal
copying based on inputted data (n1505). When an event input is
control commands which are received from the portable terminal
apparatus 8, the copying machine 1 successively stores the received
control commands (n1511; n1801.fwdarw.n1806.fwdarw.n1807).
When the copying machine control key 10 is pressed, the portable
terminal apparatus 8 enters a mode in which the portable terminal
apparatus 8 controls the copying machine 1. When the program for
controlling the copying machine 1 is stored in the portable
terminal apparatus 8 (N.noteq.0), the portable terminal apparatus 8
enters processing for actually controlling the copying machine 1
(n2201). First, an execution pointer (program counter) of the
program is moved to the top of the download program area (n2202),
and a default value of data which is necessary to execute the
program stored in this area is set while referring to the data
stored in the internal information variable area shown in FIG. 8
(n2203). Since the portable terminal apparatus 8 stores the
internal information regarding the copying machine 1 which was
received when the program for controlling the copying machine 1 was
received at n2213, the internal information is used as the default
value. The internal information regarding the copying machine 1 is
transmitted every time the control program is transmitted from the
copying machine 1. The keys are pressed under this condition to
wait for an event such as an IR message (n2204), and corresponding
processing is executed depending on the contents of the event.
Now, a description will be given on a display on the touch panel 9
of the portable terminal apparatus 8 during execution of the
program for controlling the copying machine. FIG. 10 is a view
showing a display condition during execution of the first
hierarchical layer of the control program. The display for the
first hierarchical layer includes a start key 91 which corresponds
to the copy job start button 21 of the copying machine, an all
clear key 92, ten numerical keys 100, a display part 95 for
displaying the number of copies and a condition of current copying,
a basic setting key 96 for selecting a copy image quality, a paper
cassette and the like, a magnification setting key 97 for setting a
magnification, a special mode setting key 98 for setting a special
mode such as black/white reversing, an option setting key 99 for
setting optional operations such as the paper reversing mechanism
44 and the sorter 43, a stop key 93, and a setting key 94.
Keys 96 to 100 are keys for setting a copying condition. A copying
condition set using the keys 96 to 100 is transmitted to the
copying machine 1 by means of manipulation of the setting key 94.
When the setting key 94 is operated after the start key 91 is
operated, the copying machine 1 executes copying. The all clear key
92 is a key for returning the setting within the portable terminal
apparatus 8 to an initial state. The stop key 93 is a key for
forcing the portable terminal apparatus to stop controlling the
copying machine. Since copying is executed by operating the setting
key 94 after the start key 91 as described above, when the start
key 91 is manipulated without manipulating the setting key 94 and
setting is not optimum setting, copying is not executed. The
display part 95 displays an input condition on the portable
terminal apparatus 8, a condition of the copying machine
transmitted from the copying machine 1, etc.
The basic setting key 96, the magnification setting key 97, the
special mode setting key 98 and the option setting key 99 are keys
for setting a mode which includes a lower hierarchical layer. To
set modes which correspond to manipulation of these keys, the
hierarchical layers of lower levels of the control program are
necessary. Hence, when any one of the keys 96 to 99 is operated,
the portable terminal apparatus 8 downloads lower hierarchical
layers (second hierarchical layer at seq.) of the control program
from the copying machine 1 as described later. FIGS. 11 and 12 show
an example of a display during execution of hierarchical layers of
lower levels (second hierarchical layer et seq.) of the control
program.
FIG. 11 shows an example of a display when a basic mode setting
condition is invoked in response to manipulation of the basic
setting key 96. In addition to the stop key 93 and the setting key
94, the display includes an image quality selection key 103 for
selecting a copy image quality, a tray selection key 104 for
selecting either one of manual paper feeding tray 53 and the paper
feeding cassettes 52, 42a to 42c, a density setting mode selection
key 105 for selecting manual setting/automatic setting of an image
density, a density setting key 106 for setting a density grade in a
manual density setting mode. The image quality selection key 103
and the tray selection key 104 are each manipulated in such a
manner that one of a plurality of keys is operated to select a
desired condition. The respective key portions also serve as
display areas for displaying a selected condition, and a displayed
color of an operated key portion changes. Every time the density
setting mode selection key 105 is operated, the manual setting and
the automatic setting are alternately switched and a selected
condition is displayed in the key portion. When the density setting
key 106 is pressed, the density grade is switched and a selected
density grade is displayed. When the setting key 94 is pressed
after the respective conditions are selected, set data are
transmitted to the copying machine 1. After the data are
transmitted, the display returns to the screen as that shown in
FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 shows an example of a display when an option mode setting
condition is invoked in response to manipulation of the option
setting key 99. In addition to the stop key 93 and the setting key
94, the display includes duplex/simplex copying mode setting key
107 for setting a duplex/simplex copying mode using the paper
reversing mechanism 44, a sorter mode setting key 108 for setting a
mode in which the sorter 43 is used, etc. The duplex/simplex
copying mode setting key 107 and the sorter mode setting key 108
are each manipulated in such a manner that one of a plurality of
keys is operated to select a desired condition. The respective key
portions also serve as display areas for displaying a selected
condition, and a displayed color of an operated key portion
changes. When the setting key 94 is pressed after the respective
conditions are selected, set data are transmitted to the copying
machine 1. After the data are transmitted, the display returns to
the screen as that shown in FIG. 9.
When a paper size is selected by means of the tray selection key
104 or when an optional function is selected during option setting
described above, a selected item is switched depending on a
condition of the copying machine 1. In the case of FIG. 12, for
instance, of the sorter mode setting key 108, a staple sort
function selection key 108a is not active and therefore cannot be
selected. This is because the staple sort function selection key
108a is in a passive condition in the portable terminal apparatus 8
under a condition which is set based on internal information which
is transmitted from the copying machine 1, since information
indicating that the stapling function is not added to the copying
machine 1 is transmitted. This processing is executed at n2203.
When any input is received while waiting for an event, the portable
terminal apparatus 8 executes processing which corresponds to the
event (n2204). If the event input is inputting of a copying
condition such as manipulation of the ten numerical keys 100 for
inputting the number of copies, after storing the input in the work
area of the RAM 83 (n2210), the portable terminal apparatus 8
returns to n2204 to wait for another event. Manipulation of the
start key 91 is processed in a similar manner. If the event input
is an input key for moving to the next hierarchical layer, such as
manipulation of the basic setting key 96 and the magnification
setting key 97 which have further hierarchical layers, the
hierarchical layer N is incremented to thereby download the N-th
hierarchical layer of the control program and the internal
information from the copying machine 1 (n2209.fwdarw.n2208).
Following this, the portable terminal apparatus 8 waits for an
event at the N-th hierarchical layer (n2204). If the event input is
manipulation of the setting key 94, the portable terminal apparatus
8 transmits the copying condition stored in the work area at n2210
described above to the copying machine 1 (n2205). After
transmitting the copying condition, the portable terminal apparatus
8 decrements the hierarchical layer level N. The portable terminal
apparatus 8 ends processing when the hierarchical layer level N is
0. If the hierarchical layer level N is not 0, the portable
terminal apparatus 8 downloads an n-th hierarchical layer of the
control program (n2206.fwdarw.n2208). Transmission of set data is,
for instance, as follows.
First, a command which corresponds to each copying condition which
is stored in the work area is created (n2501). The portable
terminal apparatus 8 is set to the transmission mode, and the
command is transmitted to the copying machine 1
(n2502.fwdarw.n2503). The transmission command includes the sum of
binary data for judging a data transmission/receipt error, as shown
in FIG. 9.
Receiving an end code of the control command which is transmitted
from the portable terminal apparatus 8, the copying machine 1
judges whether there is a transmission/receipt error (n1808).
Judgment of a transmission/receipt error is executed in the same
manner as that performed within the portable terminal apparatus 8
shown in FIG. 29. The flag R is equal to 0 when there is an error
created, and the copying machine 1 transmits a receipt error code
to the portable terminal apparatus 8 in the transmission mode
(n1809.fwdarw.n1810.fwdarw.n1811). On the other hand, the flag R is
equal to 1 as a result of judgement of an error when the control
command is normally received, and the copying machine 1 executes
control command processing for analyzing the received control
command (n1809.fwdarw.n1812).
In the control command processing, the command is analyzed from the
top of the received control command, first, to thereby judge
whether the control command is a command which is related to start
of copying (n1901.fwdarw.n1902). If the control command is a
command which is related to start of copying, the copying machine 1
starts copying under the copying conditions which were already
received (n1903). On the other hand, if the control command is not
a command which is related to start of copying, e.g., a command for
selecting a paper feeding cassette, for example, the copying
machine 1 executes processing such as replacement of paper feeding
cassettes or the like in accordance with the command (n1905).
Completing processing which corresponds to all received commands
(n1904), the copying machine 1 returns to the IR receipt processing
shown in FIG. 19, switches into the transmission mode and transmits
a normal receipt code which is indicative of normal receipt to the
portable terminal apparatus 8 (n1813.fwdarw.n1814).
The portable terminal apparatus 8 is changed to the receipt mode
after transmitting the control command, and judges whether some
data are transmitted from the copying machine 1 within a certain
time (n2504.fwdarw.n2507). If there is no response from the copying
machine 1 within the certain time, the portable terminal apparatus
8 judges that there is no copying machine 1 to communicate with,
displays a message indicating this, and returns to a copying
control routine (n2506.fwdarw.n2206). On the other hand, if there
is a response from the copying machine 1 within the certain time
and a result of the response is a code which is indicative of
normal receipt, the portable terminal apparatus 8 returns to the
copying control routine
(n2505.fwdarw.n2507.fwdarw.n2508.fwdarw.n2206). However, if the
result of the response is a code which is indicative of an error,
the portable terminal apparatus 8 transmits the control command
once again (n2508.fwdarw.n2502 . . . ).
During transmission of control commands, the command which is
related to start of copying can be transmitted only when the first
hierarchical layer of the control program for controlling the
copying machine is operative. This is because the start key 91
belongs to the first hierarchical layer of the control program.
Hence, during transmission of the set data above, if the control
program stored in the portable terminal apparatus 8 to control the
copying machine is operating at the first hierarchical, the
portable terminal apparatus 8 judges that copying is started, exits
from the copying control routine and returns to the original
control routine which is set for the portable terminal apparatus 8
(n2206.fwdarw.n2207.fwdarw.n2104). However, when the control
program is operating at the second hierarchical layer et seq.,
during transmission of the set data, the portable terminal
apparatus 8 downloads higher hierarchical layer by one level of the
control program and the internal information from the copying
machine 1, and enters an event waiting condition again
(n2206.fwdarw.n2207.fwdarw.n2208.fwdarw.n2201 . . . n2204).
Although the embodiment indirectly judges that copying is started
when the hierarchical layer is of the first, whether a command
indicating start of copying is received may be directly judged.
When such a command is received, the portable terminal apparatus 8
may automatically return to the original control routine from the
copying control routine.
The portable terminal apparatus 8 controls an operation of the
copying machine 1 in this manner.
(III) Processing to Deal With Change in Condition of Copying
Machine
(i) General Processing to Deal With Change in Condition
The copying machine waits for an event input at n1504. If an event
input is a change in the condition of the copying machine, the
copying machine 1 judges the contents of the change in the
condition and executes processing which corresponds to the change
in the condition. For instance, if an event input is an error, the
copying machine 1 turns on the error eliminate mode flag
(n1506.fwdarw.n1507), waits until the error is eliminated and
transmits this state to the portable terminal apparatus 8
(n1508.fwdarw.n1150). On the other hand, if an event input is not
an error, e.g., a change in the internal information such as
additional mounting of an optional apparatus and adding of papers
into a paper feeding cassette, the copying machine 1 transmits the
change in the internal information to the portable terminal
apparatus 8, and returns to the waiting condition
(n1509.fwdarw.n1503.fwdarw.n1504). Transmission of the state to the
portable terminal apparatus 8 is realized in the following manner
(n1508.fwdarw.n1509.fwdarw.n1710).
First, the copying machine 1 is set to the transmission mode. After
transmitting a pre-transmission code as it is before transmission
of the state, the copying machine 1 waits for a response from the
portable terminal apparatus 8
(n1601.fwdarw.n1602.fwdarw.n1603.fwdarw.n1604).
On the other hand, the portable terminal apparatus 8 receives the
pre-transmission code from the copying machine 1 (n2211), transmits
a code which is indicative of a receivable condition to the copying
machine 1, switches into the receipt mode and enters the receivable
condition (n2601.fwdarw.n2602.fwdarw.n2603).
Receiving the code which is indicative of the receivable condition
the portable terminal apparatus 8, the copying machine 1
temporarily stores current internal information regarding the
copying machine in the transmission buffer, and executes
transmission to the portable terminal apparatus 8
(n1605.fwdarw.n1606.fwdarw.n1607.fwdarw.n1608). On the other hand,
if nothing is received within a certain time after transmitting the
pre-transmission code, the copying machine 1 judges that there is
no portable terminal apparatus 8 existing and returns to the event
waiting condition (n1604.fwdarw.n1504). The copying machine 1
returns to the event waiting condition also when the portable
terminal apparatus 8 is in a non-receivable condition
(n1606.fwdarw.n1504).
The internal information regarding the copying machine stored in
the transmission buffer of the copying machine 1 is transmitted to
the portable terminal apparatus 8
(n2001.fwdarw.n2002.fwdarw.n2003). Receiving the internal
information, the portable terminal apparatus 8 judges whether there
is a transmission/receipt error (n2603), and receives the internal
information regarding the copying machine once again if there is an
error (n2604.fwdarw.n2605.fwdarw.n2606.fwdarw.n2603). The portable
terminal apparatus 8 then rewrites the data stored in the RAM 83 in
accordance with the received internal information. That is, if the
received internal information is related to an error which is
created within the copying machine, the portable terminal apparatus
8 rewrites the contents of the error information data area of the
RAM 83 and transmits a code which is indicative of the end of
receipt to the copying machine 1 (n2607.fwdarw.n2608). Meanwhile,
if the received internal information is not related to an error but
is related to addition of an option, feeding of papers, elimination
of an error, etc., for instance, the portable terminal apparatus 8
rewrites the contents of the internal information variable area of
the RAM 83 and transmits a code which is indicative of the end of
receipt to the copying machine 1 (n2607.fwdarw.n2613). When the
received information is related to elimination of an error within
the copying machine, the portable terminal apparatus 8 also
rewrites the contents of the error information data area
(n2614.fwdarw.n2615). It is to be noted however that error
information is rewritten when information indicating an error is
not received by the portable terminal apparatus 8.
On the other hand, after transmitting the state, the copying
machine 1 switches into the receipt mode and waits for a response
from the portable terminal apparatus 8
(n2002.fwdarw.n2003.fwdarw.n2004.fwdarw.n2005). If an OK code which
is indicative of the end of receipt (which is transmitted at n2608
or n2613) is transmitted from the portable terminal apparatus 8
within a certain time, the copying machine 1 returns to the event
waiting condition (n2006.fwdarw.n1504). If a code demanding
retransmission of the internal state is received within a certain
time, the copying machine 1 transmits the internal information to
the portable terminal apparatus 8 once again (n2007). If nothing is
received, judging that the portable terminal apparatus 8 does not
exist, the copying machine displays a message indicating this and
returns to the event waiting condition (n2009.fwdarw.n1504). If a
code other than the OK code and the code demanding retransmission
is transmitted, judging that the communication condition is
abnormal, the copying machine displays a message indicating this
and returns to the event waiting condition
(n2008.fwdarw.n1504).
The internal information is transmitted from the copying machine 1
to the portable terminal apparatus 8 in this manner, whereby the
portable terminal apparatus 8 always receives latest information
such as the error condition, option mount condition, feeding of
papers, etc., within the copying machine. If a message transmitted
from the copying machine 1 is not related to an error, the portable
terminal apparatus 8 returns to n2204 and enters the event waiting
condition.
(ii) Processing to Deal With Error
With respect to creation of an error among changes in the condition
of the copying machine, in particular, the portable terminal
apparatus 8 is well informed of the condition of the error. When
receiving information indicating that an error is created, the
portable terminal apparatus 8 temporarily stores the conditions of
the control program for the copying machine, which is currently
executed on the portable terminal apparatus 8, in the work area,
changes a value EN indicating the error hierarchical layer, to 0
(n2609.fwdarw.n2610), and executes processing to deal with the
error (n2611). During the processing to deal with an error, the
portable terminal apparatus 8 demands the copying machine 1 to
transmit the program for eliminating the error (i.e, a control
program for eliminating an error), first (n2701.fwdarw.n2702). The
value EN which indicates an error hierarchical layer is used when
an error is created over hierarchical layers. The value EN is used
in the error eliminating control program which will be described
later. The error eliminating control program indicates a method of
eliminating an error, and is composed of hierarchical layers by
error eliminating steps.
On the other hand, transmitting information which is indicative of
the error, the copying machine 1 switches into the receipt mode and
waits for a response from the portable terminal apparatus 8. If
there is no response within a certain time, the copying machine 1
turns off the error eliminate mode flag and returns to the event
waiting condition (n1701.fwdarw.n1702.fwdarw.n1703.fwdarw.n1705,
n1704). Meanwhile, if there is a response from the portable
terminal apparatus 8 and the contents of the response are a demand
for the program for eliminating the error, the copying machine 1
executes the following processing (n1706). First, the copying
machine 1 judges whether there is an error within the copying
machine 1 (n1707). If there is an error, the copying machine 1
retrieves the condition of the error and other internal information
within the copying machine 1 and transmits a corresponding error
eliminating control program to the portable terminal apparatus 8
(n1708.fwdarw.n1709.fwdarw.n1710.fwdarw.n1711).
If there is no error within the copying machine 1, the copying
machine 1 supplies elimination completion data to the transmission
buffer, turns off the error eliminate mode flag, and returns to the
event waiting condition (n1712.fwdarw.n1713). If the contents of
the response are not a demand for the program for eliminating the
error, the copying machine 1 executes the IR receipt processing
(n1714).
The portable terminal apparatus 8 receives the error eliminating
control program from the copying machine 1 and stores the error
eliminating control program (n2703). When the program is not
normally received, the copying machine 1 displays this, restores
the condition data which were stored in the work area, and returns
to the event waiting condition
(n2704.fwdarw.n2705.fwdarw.n2612.fwdarw.n2204). When the error
eliminating control program is normally received, the copying
machine 1 executes the error eliminating control program and enters
the event waiting condition (n2706.fwdarw.n2707, n2709). An event
which is waited here is either manipulation of a key or
transmission of data from the copying machine.
Errors which are created within the copying machine 1 include
jamming of a paper, a scanning error by an optical system, an
abnormal increase in the temperature of the fixing apparatus, etc.
Although a description will be given here specifically on a jam
error, other errors are processed in a similar manner. Now, it is
assumed that papers get jammed at a fixing part and a transfer part
of the copying machine. In response, the copying machine 1
transmits a corresponding error eliminating control program to the
portable terminal apparatus 8. The program includes display screens
as those shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. Describing the display screens,
displayed on the touch panel 9 of the portable terminal apparatus 8
are an instruction area 111 for displaying messages for each step
of elimination of an error, a picture display area 112 for visually
expressing the contents which are indicated in the instruction area
111 using a picture or the like, and an end key 113. Several
processing steps must be executed to eliminate an error. Each step
is expressed by an error hierarchical layer EN. In this example,
for instance, the error hierarchical layer EN is expressed as three
hierarchical layers (EN=3) of "(1) Open the front cover.", "(2)
Remove JAM paper.", "(3) Close the front cover." Each error
hierarchical layer has a display screen as that shown in FIG. 13
(EN=1), FIG. 14 (EN=2) or FIG. 15 (EN=3). When the error
eliminating control program is transmitted, only a necessary
hierarchical layer of the program is transmitted as in regular
transmission of the control program. However, during transmission
of the error eliminating control program, when the first
hierarchical layer of the error eliminating control program is
transmitted, which level in the hierarchy of the error eliminating
control program is transmitted is transmitted as an initial value
en. The value en is used to judge whether elimination of an error
is completed. The end key 113 is used to force ending of the error
eliminating control program, regardless of layer EN of the error
hierarchy. For example, an elimination method can be understood
only by looking at the display screen of FIG. 13. Since a user does
not have to look for an elimination method for each hierarchical
layer, the user may operate the end key 113 to prevent
transmission/receipt of unnecessary data.
When the end key 113 is operated on the touch panel 9 of the
portable terminal apparatus 8, the portable terminal apparatus 8
forces the processing to deal with the error to end, and returns to
the condition before creation of the error and enters the event
waiting condition (n2707.fwdarw.n2708.fwdarw.n2612.fwdarw.n2204).
On the other hand, when the condition of the copying machine is
transmitted from the copying machine 1, the portable terminal
apparatus 8 receives the condition
(n2709.fwdarw.n2711.fwdarw.n2712). When data other than the
condition of the copying machine are transmitted from the copying
machine 1 (n2710) or when an error is created during
transmission/receipt of the transmission condition
(n2713.fwdarw.n2714), judging that there is a communication error
created, the portable terminal apparatus 8 displays a message
indicative of this, returns to the condition before creation of the
error and enters the event waiting condition
(n2612.fwdarw.n2204).
Receiving the condition of the copying machine 1, the portable
terminal apparatus 8 judges the contents of the condition (n2715).
If the contents are processing which corresponds to the current
error, the level EN of the error hierarchy layer is decremented
(n2715.fwdarw.n2716). The portable terminal apparatus 8 then judges
the current level EN of the error hierarchy. If processing of all
error hierarchical layers is completed, the portable terminal
apparatus 8 rewrites the error information stored in the RAM 83 and
displays that the error is eliminated
(n2717.fwdarw.n2718.fwdarw.n2719). However, if there is any
hierarchical layer of the error hierarchy which remains unprocessed
(EN.noteq.en), the portable terminal apparatus 8 receives the next
level in the hierarchy of the error eliminating control program and
continues the error eliminating control program (n2706). More
precisely, when the front cover of the copying machine 1 is opened
under the condition indicated by the display screen of EN=3 shown
in FIG. 13, the copying machine 1 transmits information indicating
this to the portable terminal apparatus 8. In response to this, the
portable terminal apparatus 8 judges that processing of the
hierarchical layer of EN=3 is completed, moves to the hierarchical
layer of EN=2, receives the second layer in the hierarchy of the
error eliminating control program, and displays the display screen
shown in FIG. 14. Processing of the next layer in the hierarchy of
the error eliminating program is then executed.
Since a message regarding elimination of the error is displayed on
the portable terminal apparatus 8 and an operator executes
processing for eliminating the error in response to this, even when
the display part of the copying machine 1 is hard to look at, the
operator can eliminate the error while referring to the display
part of the portable terminal apparatus 8. Hence, even if the
copying machine is of a type which only informs of an error but
does not execute an elimination method or of a type which indicates
an elimination method, it is easier to eliminate an error than in a
copying machine which only displays a display screen at one
time.
Although the embodiment relates to a case where there is only one
copying machine as the processing apparatus, the invention is
enforced similarly even if the processing apparatus is a facsimile
machine, for instance.
In other preferred embodiment of the invention, the processing
apparatus is a facsimile apparatus which has a facsimile function,
for example. The portable terminal apparatus for controlling the
facsimile apparatus has the same structure as that of the portable
terminal apparatus which is used in the embodiment, and therefore,
the portable terminal apparatus will not be described.
FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a sequence of processing performed
by the portable terminal apparatus 8. In the flow chart in FIG. 30,
the same process steps as those shown in FIG. 22 are indicated by
the same numbers, and a redundant description will be omitted.
Different processing will be described, instead. When an input
received while waiting for an event is an operation which instructs
to read a telephone number or manipulation of ten numerical keys
100 for inputting the number of copies, whether it is necessary to
refer to the RAM 83 is judged (n2221). If it is necessary to refer
to the RAM 83, the facsimile apparatus reads designated data from
the RAM 83 in response to manipulation of the keys, stores set
values and data in the work area of the RAM 83, returns to n2204 to
wait for another event. If it is not necessary to refer to the RAM
83, the facsimile apparatus stores a value which is set by means of
manipulation of the keys in the work area of the RAM 83, and
returns to n2204 to wait for another event.
The facsimile apparatus in this embodiment creates effects which
are similar to those created by the copying machine 1 described
above. Further, it is possible to avoid labor of reading a
telephone number of the like, i.e., private information for a user
which is stored in the RAM 83 and transmitting the private
information to the facsimile apparatus to input data such as a
telephone number to the facsimile apparatus.
Even when the copying machine 1 described in the embodiment
described above is to be controlled, data stored in the RAM 63 of
the portable terminal apparatus 8 may be read and printed out.
While a sophisticated processing apparatus requires complex setting
to execute an advanced function, according to the respective
embodiments of the invention, such a sophisticated processing
apparatus can be set using a portable terminal apparatus which
includes a graphical user interface, as described above. Thus, it
is possible to easily execute even complex setting.
A further embodiment of the invention is related to a structure in
which it is possible to communicate with the portable terminal
apparatus 8 while a processing apparatus such as the copying
machine 1 is still performing copying, for example. Hence, a
control program can be transmitted to the portable terminal
apparatus 8 during copying or the like. Even when other user is
using the copying machine 1, for instance, setting is executed in
advance on the portable terminal apparatus 8.
If the copying machine 1 does not have such a function as described
above, it is necessary to input a setting condition and the like
regarding processing to be executed, after the other user finishes
using the apparatus. However, the copying machine 1 according to
the embodiments can transmit a control program to the portable
terminal apparatus 8 even during other processing, and setting for
performing processing desired by a user can be executed on the
portable terminal apparatus 8. Hence, it is possible to reduce a
time which is necessary until the copying machine 1 starts
processing when the user actually executes copying or the like
after the other user finishes using the apparatus. Further, since
setting on the portable terminal apparatus 8 is executed during a
time waiting for the other use to finish using the apparatus, time
is efficiently used.
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The
present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects
as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention
being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing
description and all changes which come within the meaning and the
range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be
embraced therein.
* * * * *